The day will soon come for this Dryvit hack job.

If there was ever a building that shows just how down and out Buffalo became, it’s this one. 521 Main Street is an embarrassment to the city. It shows how little we cared for historic character at one point in time. The facade hack job is an architectural joke, with its cartoonish fake windows.

Like so many other once forlorn buildings in Downtown Buffalo, the future of 521 Main Street now looks bright. The building was recently purchased by mild mannered developer Roger Trettel, who has become somewhat of a super hero when it comes to rescuing these types of architectural significant edifices.

Trettel picked up the building for $395K, which is lower than the owner’s original asking price. In the end, the new owner has got his work cut out for him – it will be interesting to see exactly what is left sitting behind the bizarre Dryvit facade.

From the listing description:• 6,240 sq.ft.• Four floors and basement• 10 car parking in rear on Washington• An outside elevator could be easily built• Ideal for office, retail, condos or apartments• Built in 1900

Whatever does eventually happen to this building, it is important to remember the way it looks right now, in its current state of despair. There is a story to be told, which is a reminder of just how bad things got on Main Street in Downtown Buffalo. As for Trettel, it’s the perfect size footprint for him to tackle. Past/current projects include the stunning Buehl Building and 5-7 Genesee Street (underway with Carmina).

Sometimes the authors at Buffalo Rising work on collaborative efforts in order to cover various events and stories. These posts can not be attributed to one single author, as it is a combined effort. Often times a formation of a post gets started by one writer and passed along to one or more writers before completion. At times there are author attributions at the end of one of these posts. Other times, “Buffalo Rising” is simply offered up as the creator of the article. In either case, the writing is original to Buffalo Rising.

Yes, that’s it. It looks like the building to the left had the top floor/cornice removed at some point, as the rest of the windows and details align. This block is really turning around, hopefully that momentum will carry to the block to the south, the one most in need of work.

benfranklin

I’d say yes. One positive of the dryvit is that it protected whatever was underneath it. The most profitable renovations I’ve been apart of were the pleasant surprises found over some covering (be it exterior like this, flooring, or hidden pocket doors).

rubagreta

For those who romanticize old Buffalo, it looks really really crappy in that photo thanks to pollution from steel mills and other sources. You can understand why there was a modernization craze in the 1950’s.

BfloGal

I will be very excited to see that dryvit go, however at least the previous owners had the pedestrian level storefront occupied! What about Sandoro’s building that still sits vacant?! He thought the window clings advertising his museum would made it look better? It’s still empty!

mikmo323

Which building is that?

BfloGal

529 Main Street

mikmo323

That guy owns so much of DT/near east side and has done nothing with any of the properties. Its crazy…

BuffaloOnTheRise

I casually know Jim Sandoro through some minor business dealings over the years and he is a very nice and pro-Buffalo resident. When the city was declining he was one of the few to grab properties and stabilize/save them (and live in an area not known for residents). He would clean them up, make sure they are solid, sell parking spaces and in many cases use them for storage for his businesses or Pierce Arrow Museum. The problem now is that he owns a lot of properties, but in general is not interested in developing them and unfortunately doesn’t seem to be motivated. If he was younger maybe, but at this point I would guess he doesn’t want the headaches of being a developer and isn’t motivated by the profit of selling.

BfloGal

I know you are correct, as I know Jim a little as well. I’m not sure anyone is going to be able to offer him the amount he thinks he deserves and by leaving it vacant it’s just going to keep deteriorating and what good is that to the City?

Vandra

I remember in the 1980s before the dryvit this building had some kind of panelized covering with scars of removed retail signage, very 1950’s. It was horrible. This was a cheap effort to cover that, but it’s been at least 25 years.

I found this image online. It had the big letters spelling KAY near the left of the shot:

As a kid we often went to the Century. Like Shea’s and the Paramount, it was an over the top rococo movie place. What impressed me as a kid was the way you entered the balcony from one side. high above the orchestra seats and underneath a huge hovering dome. It scared the daylights out of me.
Dryvit is the bandage applied to a building after a major amputation. At SOM we were not allowed to use it. Ever. On anything.

Mr. B

“If there was ever a building that shows just how down and out Buffalo
became, it’s this one. 521 Main Street is an embarrassment to the city.”

Well — if a building having dryvit is the biggest problem Buffalo has, I’d say that’s pretty good . . .

.

eagercolin

Exactly. There are factories that once employed thousands of people and currently sit empty, but some tacky little building supposedly tells the tale of Buffalo’s decline.

Alex

There is dryvit on three of the buildings in the photo, but this is the worst one.

Does anyone know if the windows are blacked out/ covered or is it just the way they appear in the photo?

WebbyDagner

The trio of 3-part windows are just applied surface materials, not actual windows.

Michael DiPasquale

Let’s be happy that the building wasn’t demolished. When we stop seeing buildings demolished then we can talk about how “bad things used to be”.

Dan

Vat is problem vit bilding? Is clean. Is modern.

G Orty

What an inflammatory, grade-school slam piece! Are you getting paid by the new owner? And just what makes him a “mild mannered” (sic) “super hero”? There are countless other buildings in Buffalo that more clearly display “just how down and out Buffalo became.” Please stop trying to revise history by erasing architectural styles you disagree with. The fact that this isn’t clad in the same romantic neo-classical style as the other nearby buildings that didn’t get any maintenance attention in the twentieth century doesn’t give you permission to call this one out as evil. This post even admits you have no idea what’s behind the existing facade material. It’s clean, its in good shape, and it actually represents a relative level of prosperity in the care for the building’s facade, especially compared with the neglected and crumbling stained relics that BRO cherishes. EIFS isn’t a premium material by any developed-world standard, but it’s effective and durable. Crawl out of your self-righteous hole and try to see things in something other than a narrow, dim, pessimistic light. (Oops, we almost forgot to mention Carmina)

Event Details

LEARN. SAMPLE. LOVE.
Love good food? Join us for a healthy cooking class!
Work closely with a professional chef to learn simple cooking techniques and enjoy generous samples of the evening's creations.

Event Details

LEARN. SAMPLE. LOVE.
Love good food? Join us for a healthy cooking class!
Work closely with a professional chef to learn simple cooking techniques and enjoy generous samples of the evening’s creations.
Featuring Chef Vincent from D’Avolio.
Menu Includes: Salmon with Kale-Quinoa Salad
Classes are $25. Independent Health Members receive a $5 discount.

Event Details

Folk artist, rock 'n roller, and storyteller Matt Butler of New York City will chronicle his recovery experience through story telling and song at 1 p.m. in the Butler Rehabilitation

Event Details

Folk artist, rock ‘n roller, and storyteller Matt Butler of New York City will chronicle his recovery experience through story telling and song at 1 p.m. in the Butler Rehabilitation Center Auditorium on the campus of the Buffalo Psychiatric Center, 400 Forest Ave., Buffalo, NY 14213.

Event Details

OVERWINTERING, PROPAGATION & MAKING CUTTINGS
Save money by propagating and bringing in plants for the winter.
Taught by Master Gardener Peggy Koppmann.
Other classes available are:
Making Hypertufas 9/9/2017
Making Kokedamas

Event Details

OVERWINTERING, PROPAGATION & MAKING CUTTINGS

Save money by propagating and bringing in plants for the winter.
Taught by Master Gardener Peggy Koppmann.

Other classes available are:

Making Hypertufas 9/9/2017
Making Kokedamas 9/19/2017

Cost for the classes will be :
$20/session or $50 for all 3. Cost for MG will be $15/session.
Limit 20 per session. Class Sizes are LIMITED!

To receive registration information, contact the CCE Master Gardener Program at (716) 652-5400, x 177 or on the web at erie.cce.cornell.edu.

Event Details

• Buffalo State’s Theater Department presents Blood at the Root September 27-30 and October 4-7 at 8:00 p.m., and September 30 and October 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Flexible Theater,

more

Event Details

• Buffalo State’s Theater Department presents Blood at the Root September 27-30 and October 4-7 at 8:00 p.m., and September 30 and October 7 at 2:00 p.m. in the Flexible Theater, in Donald Savage Theater and Communication Building. Dominque Morisseau’s drama, which debuted in 2014, was inspired by the racially divisive case of the Jena Six involving black Louisiana teenagers accused of an attack on a white schoolmate. Tickets are $15 for the general public; $10 for seniors age 62 and up and $10 for Buffalo State faculty, staff, and alumni; and $6 for Buffalo State students. Advance tickets for all Buffalo State Theater Department productions can be purchased online or by phone (716) 878-3005.

Location

Event Details

Join us for a night of good food, and good drinks for a great cause! This event will feature live music, silent auctions, and food and beverage samples from your

more

Event Details

Join us for a night of good food, and good drinks for a great cause! This event will feature live music, silent auctions, and food and beverage samples from your favorite local restaurants, wineries and breweries!

General admission tickets are $30 each for Independent Health members and $35 for the general public. A limited amount of VIP tickets are on sale for $60 and include an open bar, commemorative glass, giveaway bag and more! You must be 21 years or older to attend. Event attire is business casual.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the Healthy Options website at https://www.healthyoptionsbuffalo.com/event/100021/taps-apps-2017.

“Taps & Apps” will benefit the Independent Health Foundation’s efforts to combat childhood obesity in Western New York, including events like Kids Run and community programs such as the Fitness for Kids Challenge and Soccer for Success.

Event Details

The neurological health of U.S. presidents has a long history of being misunderstood, ignored, and covered up. On Thursday, September 28 Nicholas J. Silvestri, MD, clinical associate professor of

more

Event Details

The neurological health of U.S. presidents has a long history of being misunderstood, ignored, and covered up. On Thursday, September 28 Nicholas J. Silvestri, MD, clinical associate professor of neurology at the University of Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences and an avid history buff will present ”Neurological Ailments in U.S. Presidents.” His talk will take place at 6 pm at the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, 1 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY.

This program is presented by the Association for a Buffalo Presidential Center in cooperation with the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, and is free and open to the public.

From John Adams’ migraines to Woodrow Wilson’s stroke to Ronald Reagan’s Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Silvestri presents an historical overview of how neurological diseases affected a number of U.S. presidents.

Silvestri notes that although these and other neurological conditions significantly affected the ability of some presidents to carry out their duties, it is only relatively recently that legislation addressed such circumstances.

“It wasn’t until 1967 that an amendment of the Constitution passed that said that if a president was unable to discharge his duties, the president can be replaced by the vice president,” says Silvestri.

The Buffalo Presidential Center Association encourages the study, exploration, interpretation and public awareness of Buffalo and Western New York’s contributions to the presidency and national affairs.

Event Details

Doubt, while fundamental to the scientific method, has played an out-sized role in the public debate on climate change. Why do so many Americans distrust science in this specific context?

more

Event Details

Doubt, while fundamental to the scientific method, has played an out-sized role in the public debate on climate change. Why do so many Americans distrust science in this specific context? Join our panelists in a discussion of the history of environmentalism, the politicization of science, and more for the launch event of the Buffalo Humanities Festival 2017: Environments.

Our panelists include:
Elizabeth Mazzolini, author of The Everest Effect and Associate Professor of English at the University at Buffalo.
Adam Rome, author of The Genius of Earth Day and Professor of History at the University at Buffalo.
Jason Briner is Director of the Paleoclimate Lab and Associate Professor of Geology at University at Buffalo.
Jacqueline Patterson is the Director of the NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program.
Ryan McPherson, our moderator, is the Chief Sustainability Officer at the University at Buffalo.

Event Details

Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Startup Weekend will bring together entrepreneurs from around the region for a 3-day crash course in how to take an idea and turn it into a

more

Event Details

Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Startup Weekend will bring together entrepreneurs from around the region for a 3-day crash course in how to take an idea and turn it into a business plan.

The weekend long celebration of business ideas will begin Friday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m. and run through Sunday, Oct 1 at 5 p.m at Dig Buffalo, 640 Ellicott Street. The crash course in entrepreneurialism kicks off 43North Finals Week and is designed to match entrepreneurs, developers, designers and startup enthusiasts with business mentors and expertise.

“Buffalo Startup Weekend is a gateway to the startup world and a chance for anyone in the community to learn what it takes to launch an idea in just a weekend. Along the way, participants meet new people, form a team and learn the process from Buffalo-based entrepreneurship trailblazers,” said Matt Hostetler, one of the organizers for the 7th annual Buffalo Startup Weekend. “The first-place team will have the opportunity to pitch their idea and get feedback from judges at 43 North – the world’s largest business idea competition
– during 43North week in October and all of the top three teams will receive prizes at Buffalo Startup Weekend.”

The 3-day marathon event promotes taking a business from concept to creation, and is open to aspiring and experienced entrepreneurs, developers and technicians, designers and business enthusiasts. Last year’s event drew over 125 entrepreneurs and even more are expected to attend this year.

“The event is open to students from colleges, universities and even high schools,” said Jon Spitz, Managing Director of Z80 Labs and co-founder and former lead organizer of Buffalo Startup Weekend. “It’s a really fun and exciting weekend, and no idea is too big or too small.”

Past company participants of Buffalo Startup Weekend that are still active in the WNY business community include Heads Up, Atinga Project, and Buffalo Automation Group. Individuals who participated on teams, provided feedback as judges, and served as coaches and organizers include the leaders of ACV Auctions, CoachMePlus, and Thimble.io.

Tickets are $25 presale and are available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/startup-weekend-buffalo-tickets-36080464641. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. If interested, reach Matt Hostetler @ Matt.Hostetler@gmail.com

Time

Event Details

Girls Night Out is a local Fundraiser to raise awareness for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY. This year Peak Performance teamed up with WNY Imaging Group to benefit the

more

Event Details

Girls Night Out is a local Fundraiser to raise awareness for the Breast Cancer Network of WNY. This year Peak Performance teamed up with WNY Imaging Group to benefit the Breast Cancer Network of WNY. Their mission is to support, educate, and advocate for individuals with breast cancer, breast cancer survivors and family and friend co-survivors. They are dedicated to ending breast cancer and the deaths it causes.

The 5th annual Girl’s Night Out event is September 29th at The Grapevine Banquets from 6-11pm. Our event includes food, drinks, 42 local vendors, DJ, dancing, 50/50, Chinese auction, wine wall, Amherst Casino Events, grand prize raffle, and lots of fun! Tickets can be purchased for $20 pre-sale at www.BCNWNY.org or $25 at the door. The first 700 people in the doors will receive a free tote bag.

All proceeds go to The Breast Cancer Network of WNY.
We hope to see you there!

Event Details

Join Todd Shalom on a participatory walk that responds to Buffalo’s streetscape via sound, movement, visual and architecture-based prompts. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will perform our ritualized relationships to

more

Event Details

Join Todd Shalom on a participatory walk that responds to Buffalo’s streetscape via sound, movement, visual and architecture-based prompts. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will perform our ritualized relationships to country, institution, public space and self. This walk holds 12 people and is open to all abilities.
Shalom is the founder and director of participatory walks organization, Elastic City. He performs and makes installations to re-contextualize the body in space using vocabulary of the everyday. He is a member of the core faculty at Pratt Institute’s MFA in Writing. Todd holds a BSBA in Marketing from Boston University and an MFA in Writing from California College of the Arts.

Event Details

Join us for our 6th RETRO REWIND event at Revolution Gallery!
DJ Dr. Wisz will be spinning records from his alternative, punk, goth and industrial dance tunes of the underground clubs

Event Details

Join us for our 6th RETRO REWIND event at Revolution Gallery!

DJ Dr. Wisz will be spinning records from his alternative, punk, goth and industrial dance tunes of the underground clubs of Buffalo’s 1980s and 1990s. Enjoy drink specials at the wine bar. $3 PBR, $5 Craft Beer and $5 Glasses of Wine. Take a trip back to the 80s and 90s with us and check out our current exhibit “interFUSION”. FREE! Starts @ 8PM.

Event Details

Join Dee Adams And Friends for an evening of the songs of Indigo Girls. From the great-big-sing-along-classic-hits to deep cuts both rockin' and folkin', we'll be honoring one of the

more

Event Details

Join Dee Adams And Friends for an evening of the songs of Indigo Girls. From the great-big-sing-along-classic-hits to deep cuts both rockin’ and folkin’, we’ll be honoring one of the most iconic musical groups in modern folk history in the name of raising funds and awareness for Gay and Lesbian Youth Services of WNY ($10 at the door). At least one song from each of their studio albums spanning 30 years will be performed by a band led by Dee Adams, and featuring Buffalo staples Paul Ceppaglia, Helen Butler-Ceppaglia, Sarah DiChristina, Charlie Gannon, Elton Hough, Kathryn Koch, Joe “Mojo” Mergler, Loraine O’Donnell, and Grace Stumberg. Signed merchandise by Indigo Girls will be available for auction in benefit of GLYS of WNY. For more information, contact deeadamsmusic@gmail.com

Event Details

Join the Ronald McDonald House Young Professionals on Saturday, September 30th at the North Park Theatre for an afternoon of film and fun!
11:30am Showtime
Pre-show activities starting at 11:00am, including a

Event Details

Join the Ronald McDonald House Young Professionals on Saturday, September 30th at the North Park Theatre for an afternoon of film and fun!

Event Details

We're celebrating Buffalo Beer Week with Rhythm 'n' Brews in the taproom! Join us for live blues music all day and our next limited bottle release, Dissolution. This Fire and

Event Details

We’re celebrating Buffalo Beer Week with Rhythm ‘n’ Brews in the taproom! Join us for live blues music all day and our next limited bottle release, Dissolution. This Fire and Butterscotch Oak Aged Baltic Porter which was then aged on Chinese Schisandra Berries comes in at a whopping 9.4% ABV.

Event Details

Join the Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project and co-sponsor Grindhaus Cafe for a screening of Victor Silverman and Susan Stryker's 2005 documentary, Screaming Queens, the retelling of the 1966 riot at

more

Event Details

Join the Buffalo-Niagara LGBTQ History Project and co-sponsor Grindhaus Cafe for a screening of Victor Silverman and Susan Stryker’s 2005 documentary, Screaming Queens, the retelling of the 1966 riot at Compton’s Cafeteria in San Francisco. Followed by a panel discussion on the impact of gentrification, race, and class on queer places in Buffalo.

Event Details

Vinyl lovers unite! Yelp Buffalo has partnered up with Buffalo Distilling Co. to bring you Vibrations & Librations - an invitation to gather local vinyl enthusiasts for a night of

more

Event Details

Vinyl lovers unite! Yelp Buffalo has partnered up with Buffalo Distilling Co. to bring you Vibrations & Librations – an invitation to gather local vinyl enthusiasts for a night of sounds and spirits!

The idea is simple: we want YOU to bring in some vinyl records!

DJ Hannah K. will have her awesome turntable all set up to spin your album’s best side while Buffalo Distilling Co. charms you with their fantastic drink and food specials. You’ll have the chance to meet fellow vinyl enthusiasts, and share your favorite sounds with all of your Yelp friends!

No records? No problem! Feel free to stop by and enjoy your fellow Yelpers’ amazing taste in music, and check out the new cocktail bar in Larkinville! (Besides, our DJ will be bringing plenty to share!)

*****THIS MONTH: Relive the Rock-n-Roll revolution! Bring in anything from the most iconic classic rock artists to the popular indie rock artists of today!*****

Event Details

Join us upstairs on Floor Two as we once again open our Party bar and dance the night away with The Nerds Gone Wild! This is New York Beer Project's

Event Details

Join us upstairs on Floor Two as we once again open our Party bar and dance the night away with The Nerds Gone Wild! This is New York Beer Project’s biggest 80’s party of the year! Doors open at 8pm. $5 cover.

Subscribe to Buffalo Rising Digest

Your Name

Your Email

Don’t worry. We don’t spam.

BUFFALO RISING MEDIA

As one of the region’s most read publications since its launch in 2004, Buffalo Rising’s diverse editorial team delivers a wide range of relevant content to our readers as it unfolds in real time. An independently owned and operated digital publication, Buffalo Rising provides editorial and critical reviews on all topics that relate to Buffalo, NY.